Saturday's Alpenfest Run hopes to draw 500 participants

July 14, 2008

GAYLORD — Traditions, music and games are the staples of the Alpen Strasse, but those with a competitive streak can be satisfied by the weekend’s menu of sporting events.

The headliner is the 32nd annual Alpenfest Run, which has seen exponential growth the past few years. With 12K, 5K and walk options, there is something for everyone, starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 19 .

“We keep getting bigger and bigger,” said race director Mike Tarbutton. “We’re hoping to get up to that 500 number overall. There will be lots of excellent racers running.”

The 12K course is a challenging one, beginning downtown and heading east on M-32 to Kassuba Road. The course then follows the hilly Kassuba and Krys Roads before heading back into town on M-32.

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Curtis Barclay of Hale won last year’s 12K with a time of 40:27, while Kari Johnson of Central Lake was the female winner at 51:50.

Barclay became a track All-American this season, as he took seventh in the NCAA Division II championships in the steeplechase.

More than 200 runners participated in last year’s 5K run, which follows a scenic route that heads south through town and borders the elk park. Jim Harrington of Negaunee was the overall champion last year with a time of 16:25, while Val Thomasma of Kentwood was the female winner, with a time of 18:15.

For those wanting to get a nice walk in, 5K and 12K walks are also included in the festivities.

The 12K race will begin at 8:30 a.m. sharp with the 5K race beginning about 15 minutes afterward.

The running doesn’t stop there, however, as at 11 a.m. there is a fun run that follows the one-mile parade route, starting at 2nd Street and Illinois Street.

The race took a one-year hiatus in the early 1990s, but thanks to the long-term sponsorship of Johnson’s Propane, the race was re-instated and went from 33 runners its first year back to about 500 last year. Each year, the race makes $2,000-$3,000 and gives it back to the Alpenfest Committee.

For the first year, prize money will be awarded, as $50 will be given to the male and female 5K and 12K champions, as well as the Masters champion in both.

Gault Race Management will again handle the timing, using its Champion Chip technology.

For more information on the Alpenfest Run, contact Otsego County Parks and Recreation at 732-6521.

3-on-3 Hockey Tournament

Fast, exciting hockey is the norm at the Sportsplex Thursday, July 19-Saturday, July 21 at the Otsego County Sportsplex with the annual Dick Weber 3-on-3 Hockey Tournament.

Age groups ranging all the way from Mites to Men’s will compete in the popular tournament, which features wide-open, offensive hockey. The tournament will last all day Friday and Saturday, concluding the beginning of the finals, which are 9 a.m. Saturday.